Northeast Kingdom Council on Aging in Vermont
Donate to the NEK Council on Aging

Blog Post

The NEK Council on Aging Honors Community Meal Sites during Annual Meeting

Mel Reis • December 2, 2020

They are our 2020 Humanitarian Heroes

From Robin Smith at the Caledonia Record (December 2, 2020)

Businesses shut down. Stores closed. People stayed home.

And throughout it all, Meals on Wheels across the Northeast Kingdom provided more than double the meals needed to help senior citizens survive the pandemic. And the demand continues.

The Northeast Kingdom Council On Aging recognized the meals sites and participating non-profit groups across the region with the Humanitarian Hero award for their work in 2020. Council on Aging Executive Director Meg Burmeister announced the collective award at the organization’s virtual annual meeting on Monday.

“They have provided time and talent andperseverance through the pandemic,” Burmeister said of the Meals on Wheels centers. "We honor all of our meal sites. Without them, we would not have been able to provide and take care of seniors ... in the Northeast Kingdom.” She called it “an annual meeting like no other,” much like the year has been, she said.

The organization is dedicated to helping senior citizens across the Kingdom stay healthy, stay in their homes, and receive the services and support they need. So much of the work that the council and its more than 300 volunteers do is based on face-to-face work with clients.
The organization had to figure out new ways of doing things on the fly.

Burmeister said they could not have accomplished it all without the dedication of staff and volunteers.

Megan Durocher, a leader of the care and support team based in St. Johnsbury, said they found ways to successfully — and immediately — transition from frequent in- home visits to phone calls or online contacts for much of the past year.

Meals on Wheels staff and volunteers really stepped up, aided by donations of food and services, including new commercial freezers
and fridges to handle the increased demand, they said.

The partners of the Meals on Wheels programs, ranging from state agencies and local banks to Burke Mountain Academy and Jay Peak Resort, provided resources and food when needed, as well as space and locations to handle the increased demand, they said.“I can’t begin to thank you enough for the volunteers who changed their routes to make sure all of these deliveries were made and picked up” said Laura Valcour, Director of Nutrition and Wellness.

In the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP), 260 volunteers gave 1,242 hours of their time this year. Businesses shut down. Stores closed. People stayed home.

By Melinda Martin January 20, 2025
What You Need to Know About the ‘Silent Thief of Sight’ and How to Protect Your Vision
By Melinda Martin January 6, 2025
Start the Year Strong with Simple Steps for Health, Wellness, and Connection
By Melinda Martin December 11, 2024
Empowering Older Adults to Stay Safe from Holiday Scams and Protect Their Financial Independence
By Melinda Martin November 14, 2024
Staying Warm, Well, and Connected This November
By Melinda Martin November 6, 2024
Out of Appointments, But Not Out of Options: Here’s How to Get the Help You Need
By Melinda Martin October 11, 2024
Navigating Medicare Open Enrollment: We’re Here to Help! Medicare Open Enrollment is just around the corner, and if you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone! Whether you’re new to Medicare or simply reviewing your current plan, understanding your options and choosing the right coverage can be a daunting task. That’s where the Northeast Kingdom Council on Aging comes in. We want to make sure you have all the support and information you need to make the best choices for your health and budget. What Is Medicare Open Enrollment? Medicare Open Enrollment happens every year from October 15th to December 7th. During this time, Medicare beneficiaries can make changes to their health and prescription drug coverage for the upcoming year. This includes switching from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan, changing Part D (prescription drug) plans, or even switching between Medicare Advantage Plans. With so many options and updates to plans each year, it’s crucial to review your coverage and see if your plan still meets your needs. Why It’s Important to Review Your Plan Even if you’re happy with your current coverage, changes to your plan’s premiums, co-pays, covered medications, and provider networks can have a big impact on your out-of-pocket costs. That’s why reviewing your options annually is so important. Making the right changes now can save you money and ensure you have the coverage you need. We’re Here to Help You Make the Best Choice The Northeast Kingdom Council on Aging is offering two walk-in Medicare Open Enrollment Clinics to assist you in navigating your options and making informed decisions. Our certified Medicare counselors are trained to provide unbiased, honest guidance and will work with you one-on-one to find the best plan for your situation. Here’s where you can find us: 📅 Monday, November 4th from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM Goodrich Memorial Library 202 Main Street, Newport, VT 📅 Wednesday, November 20th from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM NVRH Conference Room 127 1315 Hospital Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT What to Bring To make the most of your visit, be sure to bring: Your red, white, and blue Medicare card. A list of your current medications and dosages. Any notices you’ve received from your current plan. No appointment is needed, and all our services are free. Our counselors will sit down with you, listen to your concerns, and help you weigh the pros and cons of each option. We’re here to help you feel confident in your Medicare choices. If You Can’t Make It In Person… If attending one of our clinics isn’t convenient, don’t worry! You can call us at (802) 748-5182 or reach our helpline at (800) 642-5119 to speak with a Medicare counselor over the phone. We want to ensure every older Vermonter has access to the support and resources they need. Your Health, Your Choice Choosing a Medicare plan is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your health. Let us help you find the right fit and feel good about your coverage for the coming year. Join us at one of our walk-in clinics, or give us a call. We’re here to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible. For more information, visit our website or stop by one of our walk-in clinics in November. We look forward to seeing you!
By Melinda Martin September 11, 2024
Your Voice, Your Impact: Help Shape the Future of Aging Services in the NEK
By Melinda Martin September 11, 2024
Call today!
Show More
Share by: